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Celebrating Western’s skilled trades professionals
By Communications Staff, May 6, 2026
National day recognizes those who help keep the university operating every day
From maintaining critical infrastructure and utilities to responding to emergencies, preserving buildings, supporting research environments and ensuring the reliability of campus systems, Western’s skilled trades professionals help make campus work—every day.
National Skilled Trades Day is recognized across Canada on the first Wednesday in May. It shines a spotlight on the value of skilled trades, encourages people to explore these careers and celebrates the professionals whose work powers our communities—across roles such as plumbers, carpenters, HVAC technicians, and electricians.
“We’re proud to recognize and celebrate the skilled trades professionals working within Facilities Management whose expertise, dedication and commitment keep Western University operating every day,” said Bryan Wakefield, director, facilities operations.
Wakefield said their work helps create a campus that is:
- Safe for students, faculty, staff and visitors
- Efficient through reliable operations and preventive maintenance
- Sustainable through stewardship of energy, assets and resources
- Resilient through rapid response, professionalism and teamwork
- Welcoming through well-maintained learning, living and gathering spaces
Supporting Western’s mission and strategic goals
Much of this work happens behind the scenes. But every repair, upgrade and preventive check helps protect the places where students learn, researchers discover and the campus community gathers.
“Every day, the work of our skilled trades directly supports Western’s mission to be a leading research-intensive university and a vibrant campus community where people learn, discover, and thrive,” said Wakefield.
By maintaining world-class facilities and infrastructure, Facilities Management Operations helps enable:
- An outstanding student experience through safe, functional campus spaces
- Excellence in teaching and research through dependable building systems and specialized environments
- Sustainability leadership through responsible operations and continuous improvement
- Community and belonging through spaces where people connect and succeed
“We are grateful to our skilled trades professionals—their craftsmanship, service, professionalism and pride are seen, valued and deeply appreciated,” said Wakefield.